Chapter 476 - 476: What Courage
Gu Qingluan lifted her lips into a faint smile and said, “Old Master has quite the determination.”
He didn’t show any mercy, even towards his own son.
In essence, Gu Zhicheng was very much like him. For the sake of the family’s interests, they were both willing to sacrifice their own children.
Gu Hongkang’s lips twitched slightly, and he replied with an expressionless face, “There’s no need to mock me, the Gu family’s tradition emphasizes on prioritizing the family’s interests. You lacked proper parental guidance since childhood, so you don’t understand these matters.”
Deep down, he couldn’t help but regret it.
If he had known that Gu Qingluan would become so formidable, he would never have allowed her to be mistreated back then.
If he had spoken up for her even once, would this girl still hold such a grudge against the Gu family?
Gu Qingluan neither confirmed nor denied, and she walked towards Gu Zhicheng.
Gu Hongkang’s heart tightened immediately. “What else do you want to do?”
“Sorry, I’m a suspicious person. I need to personally verify it to put my mind at ease,” Gu Qingluan spoke frankly.
She didn’t trust Gu Hongkang.
Upon hearing this, Gu Hongkang felt a surge of anger but restrained himself.
“Then take a look for yourself. There’s no need for me to deceive you on this matter and provoke your anger.”
Gu Qingluan didn’t dispel her doubts because of his words. She continued to walk up to Gu Zhicheng and personally examined him.
Gu Zhicheng’s cultivation was indeed crippled.
To be on the safe side, Gu Qingluan squatted down and inserted a few needles into him.
Gu Hongkang wanted to speak up to stop her but restrained himself.
Since Gu Qingluan had said she would spare his life, there was no need to resort to killing again.
After finishing her examination, Gu Qingluan stood up and gave Gu Hongkang a faint smile. “Old Master Gu, you can take him home now. In the future, my mother’s memorial tablet should be cleaned daily. Make sure he does it.”
Gu Hongkang looked at her deeply and then picked up Gu Zhicheng, turning to leave.
No one dared to stop him.
Wang Shi who had been watching shouted, trying to get Old Master Gu to take her too.
However, Gu Hongkang didn’t even glance at her.
Without Gu Hongkang, there was no one left on the scene who could help Wang Shi. She was trembling all over in fear, her face as white as a sheet.
Especially when Gu Qingluan turned her gaze towards her, she was terrified.
Gu Qingluan sneered. “Gu Zhicheng allowed Wang Shi to plot against the Jun family, and he has received the punishment he deserves. As for you, the mastermind behind the scenes, how do you think you should be dealt with?”
Wang Shi shook her head frantically, unable to speak. She couldn’t move either, tears and snot covering her face. She begged Gu Qingluan to show mercy and spare her life.
Gu Qingluan looked at Shuntian Prefecture’s Magistrate and said, “What does the Magistrate think the verdict should be?”
The Magistrate of Shuntian Prefecture, who was called by Gu Qingluan, instantly broke into a cold sweat.
He cautiously glanced at Gu Qingluan, then turned to the Crown Prince, seeking help.
Qi Tianyou received his message and sighed inwardly. He spoke, “Wang Shi poisoned the Gu family’s matriarch, and it’s only right for her to pay with her life. Let’s detain her in the prison for now and execute her in three days.”
The Magistrate of Shuntian Prefecture immediately followed his words, “The Crown Prince’s words are correct. Wang Shi has committed a capital crime, and executing her in three days is appropriate.”
As he spoke, he discreetly looked at Gu Qingluan. Seeing that she showed no signs of displeasure, his heart settled slightly. He quickly ordered someone to draft the verdict.
As a result, Wang Si was sentenced to death.
As for the other three who had confessed, they received the same death sentence.
Gu Qingluan was quite satisfied with this outcome.
Exiting the gates of Shuntian Prefecture, Gu Qingluan turned to the Crown Prince at her side and clasped her hands in gratitude. “Today, I trouble Your Royal Highness to come personally and ensure justice for me.”
Qi Tianyou smiled and replied, “You are a princess personally appointed by His Majesty, so you’re like a younger sister to me. Your affairs are my affairs. There’s no need to be polite. If you ever need help in the future, feel free to ask.”
Gu Qingluan knew he was trying to build a closer relationship with her, and she didn’t mind.
They had worked together a few times, and she had a favorable impression of the Crown Prince.
In the future, when she left Tianjing, the Jun Residence would rely on the Crown Prince for care, so she didn’t mind his intentions. She smiled and replied, “I appreciate your kindness. If I trouble you in the future, please don’t find me annoying.”
Qi Tianyou chuckled. “1 dare not.”
He was genuinely growing fonder of this girl. She was straightforward and didn’t put on airs, and her strength was impressive.
The Gu family had missed out on a great treasure.
Because he genuinely cared for Gu Qingluan, he asked with some hesitation, “I have some doubts in my mind. Would it be appropriate to ask?”
Gu Qingluan smiled and said, “Please, Your Highness, go ahead..”